Texas Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in Texas is decided in the District Court, usually in the Family District Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Texas documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official Texas custody resources

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Texas family law forms (official index) (Texas judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Texas family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.txcourts.gov/rules-forms/forms

Texas court self-help resources (Texas courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Texas family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.texaslawhelp.org

Texas mediation and dispute resolution (Texas judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Texas family case without a trial. https://www.txcourts.gov/programs-services/dispute-resolution

eFileTexas.gov (Tyler Technologies): Texas has one statewide e-filing system that works in every county, and people without lawyers are welcome to use it. E-filing is required for attorneys but optional for you, so paper filing with the district clerk also works. https://www.efiletexas.gov/

Texas rules of procedure (Texas judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Texas. https://www.txcourts.gov/rules-forms

Verified official Texas custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Petition in Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (FM-SAPCR-100), form FM-SAPCR-100 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://texaslawhelp.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/fm-sapcr-100_sapcr_petition_2025_legis_update.pdf

Order in Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (FM-SAPCR-200), form FM-SAPCR-200 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://texaslawhelp.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/fm-sapcr-200_parent_sapcr_order_english_2025_legis_updates_0.pdf

Standard Possession Order (FM-Chil-306), form FM-Chil-306 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://texaslawhelp.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/fm-chil-306_standard_possession_order_2023.pdf

Official link data for Texas was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in Texas?

Family cases in Texas are heard in the District Court, usually in the Family District Court. Divorce and custody ('SAPCR') are heard in the District Court; big counties have dedicated family district courts. Texas has hundreds of numbered district courts; a populous county has many, while several rural counties may share one.

Does Texas favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Texas forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Texas mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.